Joint for transmitting a torsional load with elastic response

ABSTRACT

A transmissive joint has an elastic response for transmitting a torsional load capable of ensuring the transmission in the absence of coaxiality between two actuating and actuated devices, and allowing the internal passage of cabling or possible accessory components along the axis of transmission/torsion.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is a new configuration of a joint for transmitting a torsional load with elastic response.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A recurring need in the engineering field is to mutually attach two elements (e.g. a motor and a driven device), such that the two elements are rigidly linked as far as their rotation is concerned about a transmission axis, to transmit a rotational power around the same axis. For this purpose, the two elements or devices are therefore to be connected without the possibility of mutual rotation.

The difficulty and heavy design commitment of this task (which accordingly are reflected in research costs) consist in achieving high concentricity tolerances among the two devices in order to make rotation accurate and possible without overloading the structure and/or the relative bushings. Also considering that it is uncertain that the (power) input and output devices can be perfectly aligned, the response to such problem is the use of torsional transmission joints designed indeed to remedy the alignment defects.

In doing this, in many circumstances an undesired and non-accurately quantifiable rigidity/elasticity (inherent in the material and/or the component used) is introduced in the transmission. Such factor may be significantly detrimental when the transmission of the motion is to be controlled as far as torque is concerned (in particular, the critical condition is in the inversion of motion). If, moreover, there are plastic and/or rubbery materials in the joint, viscous components are introduced, which are undesired as well, if one wants to minimize the hysteretic components between the loading and unloading cycles.

The condition of homokinetic transmission of the motion by the connecting joint is also very important. Most times indeed, a motion/drive is to be transmitted without it being altered (for example a single universal joint does not transmit motion under homokinetic conditions).

It is often also required for the torsional transmission joints to be hollow, thus leaving the possibility, when needed, of hiding the passage therein of cables, support shafts, idle shafts or other, which have a non-negligible diameter with respect to the overall sizes of the joint. This obviously causes an additional restriction to be considered when designing or selecting the joint.

To summarize, the main technical problems to deal with within the context described above may be summarized as follows:

ensuring a torque transmission between input device and output device (or actuating device and actuated device) also in the presence of undesired coaxiality defects;

accurately knowing the torsion constant of the joint in order to allow it to be used (also) as torque sensor, mechanical fuse and vibration absorption device (low-pass filter);

achieving or approximating an absence of hysteresis in the loading and unloading cycle;

providing an inner axial space available for possibly routing cables or other accessory components;

reducing the production and management/maintenance costs;

providing a joint layout that is easily adjustable and therefore can be customized;

allowing a certain, albeit contained, elastic deformation, also in the axial direction, in order to compensate for the assembly tolerances.

To the best of the applicant's knowledge, no known solution is completely satisfactory in relation to the above aspects. For example, a joint shown in EP1724481 is made in several pieces, including a flexible portion capable of giving a certain elasticity to the transmission. The flexible portion comprises fins of various nature, all arranged parallel and adapted to be deformed elastically. The geometry of the joint does not allow the mutual flexion of the two input and output axes, nor a deformation in axial direction.

Another solution generically known is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,224. Here, the device is made in a single piece but in turn it does not allow a mutual inflexion between the two input and output junction elements. Indeed, by ensuring only the mutual rotation between the elements, this device is designed to act as a torsional spring and may not be taken into consideration for making a true elastic joint.

An even further known solution is the one described in international publication WO2015/001469 which relates to a torsional spring that can also be used as a joint adapted to transmit a torsional drive with elastic response. Also in this case, the device is formed by excavating a unitary body, but it comprises a plurality of plate-like segments evolving mainly according to planes having a relation of parallelism with respect to the transmission/torsion axis; accordingly, the overall torsional behaviour of this joint can be assimilated with the one of a single imaginary equivalent plate having a length equal to the sum of the lengths of the segments, but obviously with a much more compact structure and with the connections between the segments which stiffen the structure with respect to the equivalent plate.

Due to its structure, the use of this device is not fully recommended should the coaxiality and/or the mutual axial position of the elements it connects not be sufficiently accurate. Moreover, in case of input and output elements that are not aligned with respect to the rotation/torsion axis, the device would suffer a structural weakness related with the directionality of the parallel faces forming it. Moreover, it does not provide the possibility of satisfactorily integrating cables, support shafts, idle shafts or other similar elements with axial arrangement.

Specifically within the robotics field, and in particular in the wearable robotics field, the use is frequent of elastic actuators in which an elastic element is arranged between the actuator and the actuated mechanical device or component. Examples in this regard are provided in:—J. F. Veneman, R. Ekkelenkamp, R. Kruidhof, F. C. T. van der Helm and H. van der Kooij “A Series Elastic- and Bowden-Cable-Based Actuation System for Use as Torque Actuator in Exoskeleton-Type Robots” The International Journal of Robotics Research 2006 25: 261 DOI: 10.1177/0278364906063829; and in—Claude Lagoda, Alfred C. Schouten, Arno H. A. Stienen, Edsko E. G. Hekman, Herman van der Kooij “Design of an electric Series Elastic Actuated Joint for robotic gait rehabilitation training” Proceedings of the 2010 3rd IEEE RAS EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics”, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Sep. 26-29, 2010. This second document describes in particular an example of a torsional spring, particularly an elastic actuator used in the walking rehab, made from a metal body suitably worked in order to provide the same body with the properties desired. The elastic element used in the actuator is obtained from a steel plate-like body in which two spiral-shaped slots are formed. The device thus configured has certain problems associated with hysteresis, contact between the coils which limits the applicable load and the relatively high discrepancy between the stiffness simulated with FEM analysis and the actual stiffness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a joint for transmitting a torsional load with elastic response which ensures transmission also in the absence of coaxiality between the two actuating and actuated devices, with a layout that can be manufactured in an affordable manner, that is easy to adjust/customize, and which allows the internal passage of cabling or possible accessory components along the transmission/torsion axis.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a joint of the above mentioned type, of which the torsion constant can be precisely known in order to allow it to be used for various and/or complementary functions with respect to the transmission function, such as torque sensor, mechanical fuse or vibration absorption device.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a joint of the above mentioned type which closely approximates, and even reaches, the condition of lack of hysteresis in the loading and unloading cycle.

It is then an object of the present invention to provide a joint of the above mentioned type which has a certain elastic deformability also with respect to a load in the axial direction.

These and other objects are achieved with the joint for transmitting a torsional load with elastic response according to the present invention, the essential features of which are defined in the first of the appended claims. Further optional yet significant features are defined by the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the joint for transmitting a torsional load with elastic response according to the present invention shall become apparent from the description below of embodiments thereof, made by way of example and not limitative, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a joint according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the joint in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an axonometric view of a joint according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction useful to show, more generally, the structural principle of the joint according to the invention; and

FIGS. 5 a to 5 d are diagrams that follow the depiction scheme of FIG. 4 and consistently with the latter show respective joint modules according to various embodiments of the invention; the drawings in FIG. 5 a and FIG. 5 b correspond in particular respectively to the first embodiment (as per the previous FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and to the second embodiment (as per FIG. 3 );

FIGS. 6 a to 6 c are schematizations of the joint according to the invention, and more specifically according to the second embodiment in FIG. 3 , that outline the joint in terms of a system of cantilever beams and relative equivalent springs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference for the time being to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a joint according to the present invention is obtained starting from a unitary body 1, typically a metal body, having a tubular structure, where tubular means generically a hollow structure, evolving around an inner cavity 1 a, with an axial symmetry. In particular, as in the first embodiment shown in the cited figures, the body can be, according to a preferred solution, a cylinder having a central axis X and a circular basis; however, more generally speaking, the basic outline of the body (that is, the outer perimeter of the section on a transversal plane orthogonal to the central axis) may be polygonal, thus resulting in a prismatic shape of the body. Even more generally, such basic outline may also vary in size along the central axis, that is, remaining identical to itself aside from a scale factor (which will preferably be comprised between 1 and 3, both ends included); in this case the body can take on, for example, a hourglass shape or a barrel shape. The body 1 has an elongation L measured along the axis X. The diameter of the basic outline, here the outer diameter of the circular section of the body, is indicated with D. The ratio between L and D may vary substantially at will, even though for most applications, a ratio of L/D≥1 may be advantageous.

According to the invention, the body 1 has a distribution of slots 1 b formed through removal or excavation of material, this resulting in a windowed structure of the body, wherein the inner cavity 1 a is opened outwards through the slots, and the remaining solid material defines a pattern (that is a path or mesh) of beam-shaped members 13 which join two annular elements 11, 12. The latter elements are arranged at respective axial ends of the body, and are therefore spaced, lying over respective planes orthogonal with the central axis. The beam-shaped members are to be intended as members in which a direction of elongation can be defined and is predominant, which direction makes it possible to schematize the pattern with a linear two-dimensional geometry, the lines being defined by the median line or longitudinal axis/direction of each beam member.

The annular elements 11, 12 are adapted for the mechanical connection respectively with an actuating device (or actuator) and an actuated device (or load), between which a rotational drive is to be transmitted through the joint by stressing the joint to torsion around the axis X, which is practically the fulcrum axis of the torque or twisting couple to be exchanged (between the actuator and the load) by means of the joint itself. The mechanical connection system is not represented since it may be any system of type in itself known for interfacing the joint with various types of mechanical components. Usable connections/fastenings include flanged connections with screws, shaft-hub connections, grooved outlines, keys, tabs, radial pins, shrink disks, etc.

Specifically regarding the beam-shaped pattern 13, it has a plurality of junctions 13 a, 13 b which are integral (i.e. one-piece) with the two annular elements 11, 12, in the same number for each annular element (here four), which are regularly spaced following the circular perimeter of the annular element (or more generally, the direction defined by a circle circumscribing the basic outline of the body). The sequence of the junctions provides alternatively a junction to a first annular element 11 and a junction to a second annular element 12, where obviously “first” and “second” are entirely interchangeable references.

Two consecutive junctions on the same annular element, or more precisely their midpoints, define a module M of the pattern which repeats serially in identical form for a certain number of times (at least two) when following the aforesaid circle, wherein two consecutive modules clearly share at least one junction. For example, among the above-mentioned two junctions to the first annular element 11 (indicated with 13 a′ and 13 a″ in FIG. 1 ), the module M includes one junction 13 b′ to the opposite annular element (or second annular element 12), which midpoint identifies, with the central axis X, a plane a of inner mirror-image symmetry of the module M.

In practice, the evolution or geometric path of the beams forming the pattern between one of the end junctions 13 a′ of the module M to the first annular element 11 and the “central” junction 13 b′ of the module to the second annular element 12 mirrors the evolution or path which joins such central junction 13 b′ to the other end junction 13 a″, with respect to the plane a passing through the axis X and the midpoint of the central junction. Generally speaking, said path substantially follows a curved line, typically but not necessarily having a variable curvature, a polyline with at least three straight line segments, or a combination of straight line segments and curved lines even having variable curvature.

In particular, in the module according to the presently described embodiment, a main beam-shaped member 13 c′, 13 c″ and 13 d′ (the first two respectively from the two end junctions and the third from the central junction) branches off from each junction, extending axially, that is along a generatrix parallel to the axis X, with the first end of each member integral with the relative annular element and which identifies the junction, and the second end which reaches close to the opposite annular element by a distance S measured axially which advantageously may be equal to or less than about ⅕ of the elongation L.

Such second ends, or more precisely each second end and the second end of the consecutive main beam-shaped member (projecting from different annular elements: here therefore, for example, the second end of the main beam-shaped member 13 d′ and the second end of the main beam-shaped member 13 c′), are then joined by connection members 13 e which according to the present embodiment, preferably have a serpentine shape, comprising at least one axial beam-shaped segment 13 e′ (three here) extending parallel to the axis X for a length for example, equal to about L−2·S. Therefore, in this embodiment, the slots define a plurality of beam-shaped members/segments that are regularly spaced following the circumferential direction, the spacing being variable depending on the circumstances of use, absolute size and proportions of the body etc. The serpentine shape is then completed by circumferential bridging segments 13 e″, with corners that, though rounded, are in any case substantially at right angles, and that can degenerate into sharp portions when the distance between two axial segments is close like in the example.

With reference to FIG. 3 , a second embodiment of the invention is practically a close variant of the first one just described, as can also be understood by the use of consistent and self-explanatory reference numerals. Here, the annular elements and the beam-shaped members are thicker both in the radial direction (due to the effect of a tubular body with an inner cavity having a reduced size in relation to the outer diameter D) and in the axial direction (as far as the annular elements and the circumferential beam-shaped segments are concerned) and circumferential direction (as far as the axial beam-shaped members/segments). In terms of the evolution of the pattern, it is worth noting here the provision of a serpentine shape with a single axial segment between two consecutive main beam-shaped members.

With reference then also to FIGS. 4 to 5 d, geometric schematizations are provided of various possible beam patterns in a joint according to the invention. More specifically, FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show respective schematizations of a module M of the first and the second embodiment. In these representations, the inner pattern of the module is expressed in the more generic terms of the relevant paths, as already mentioned above, that are mutually symmetrical with respect to the plane a and here indicated with T1, T2, each evolving between one junction to an annular element and the consecutive junction to the other annular element. In the two examples taken into consideration, the path of the pattern is practically a polyline having several straight segments, an expedient that, clearly, can be pursued also by other examples alike the ones in FIGS. 5 c and 5 d , having main axial beam-shaped members with a shorter axial elongation, which are joined by simple connection segments, here for example with a certain slanting (not right) angle.

But even more generally, as shown in FIG. 4 , the paths T1 and T2 may follow curved lines or combinations of straight line segments with parts of a curved line, for example and typically according to a spline function. In this figure, in which the development of the circle c circumscribed to the basic outline of the body is also marked (a basic outline that, as mentioned, may not be circular), it is also worth noting a possible preferred solution, according to which the tangent t to the path at the junction to the respective annular element is a generatrix of the cylinder having its base in the circle c, and the module M extends between two generatrices/tangents t in two consecutive junctions on the same annular element.

The joint according to the invention, as in particular implemented based on the examples described above, but in general according to the features defined by the main appended claim, completely achieves the objects set out in the introductory part. The elastic joint here proposed is remarkably simple from a manufacturing standpoint, in particular by making use of laser cutting technology for metal materials; besides, the design considerations are assisted by the fact that the equivalent stiffness can be easily determined.

This results in affordable costs and a straightforward customization of the properties.

Since the body 1 is a single metal piece, when remaining in the range of elastic deformation, the advantage is attained of not dealing with hysteresis in the loading and unloading cycles. Moreover, precisely for making use of a single piece rigid body, the joint is a CV joint (aside from the deformation, which however is linear and known).

Due to its geometry, the joint allows for an intrinsic adjustment between the input and output axes when the coaxiality tolerance is not perfectly complied with. For it being inherently elastic, the joint is also compliant with an axial elasticity component which is useful when there is hyperstaticity between actuating and actuated device.

Finally, the elastic joint leaves an inner free space (indeed a remarkable one if compared to the overall bulk of the joint) for the arrangement of accessory components (wiring etc.) coaxially to the input and output devices.

Considering more thoroughly the issue of identifying the equivalent torsional rigidity, this can be easily calculated because, to a very good approximation, the beam-shaped components of the examples indicated above can be considered for example as an appropriate combination of cantilever beams, according to the schemes in FIGS. 6 a to 6 c which can be interpreted in light of the following formulas:

${\delta_{1\ldots n} = \frac{\left( \frac{M_{t}}{R} \right)*L_{1\ldots n}^{3}}{3EI}}{K_{1\ldots n} = \frac{M_{t}}{2\pi*\delta_{1\ldots n}}}{\frac{1}{K}_{eqv} = {\frac{n_{1}}{K_{1}} + \ldots + {\frac{n_{n}}{K_{n}}.}}}$

In which:

M_(t)=Twisting couple [N mm]

R=Average radius of the cylinder [mm]

L_(1 . . . n)=Free length of the beams [mm]

I_(1 . . . n)=Flexural moments of inertia [mm⁴]

E=Young's modulus [Mpa]

δ_(1 . . . N)=Cantilever beam inflexion [mm]

K_(1 . . . n)=Elastic constant of the spring [N·mm/rad]

K_(eqv)=Overall equivalent elastic constant of the elastic joint [N·mm/rad]

The desired stiffness can be optimized by acting on the various geometric parameters, such as in particular, as mentioned, the thickness and the sizes of the beam-shaped segments or members. Obviously, a fundamental variable for obtaining the features desired is the material used: the most suitable materials are the metal materials used generally for mechanical constructions. Among them, steel, aluminium alloys and titanium alloys. Primarily, the fundamental value for choosing and obtaining the desired stiffness properties of the joint can be identified in the Young's modulus of the material. The selection of the material to be used, as well as the desired stiffness, is in a direct connection with the extent of the load that the joint has to bear and the level of dimensional compactness that one wishes to obtain.

Then, to summarize, the slots can be made with laser cutting systems on a basic tubular body made of metal, such as a generally resistant and flexible steel e, e.g. spring steel (for example, Böhler W720 maraging steel with a Young's modulus of 193 GPa and a yield stress of 1815 MPa). As far as compatible with the size of the slots and with the size of the cross-section of the whole element, manufacturing by traditional metal working machines (stock removal machining) may also be possible.

Other advantages which may result from using the joint according to the invention comprise:

the joint is usable for transmissions requiring an elastic joint between input and output with a known stiffness or torsion constant, without hysteresis and as a low-pass filter;

it can be coupled with a position transducer (e.g. a rotary encoder) as sensitive element for highly accurate torque sensors, which can be customized, provided with an axial bore and at a low cost; usability simply as a hollow torsional spring.

The joint may have several applications, among which one of particular interest being robotics, and in particular wearable robotics. The sizes thereof and its features of rigidity and transmittable torque and its increased capability to be interfaced with the other elements make it a useful element for making elastic actuators for wearable robots and for robots generally. In these applications, it is indeed fundamental to use actuators provided with intrinsic compliance, with limited weights and volumes, albeit with the need to transmit relatively high torques and forces. The joint according to the invention, complete with all elements, may be assembled directly on the robot.

The present invention was described hereto with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is intended that other embodiments may exist which relate to the same inventive concept within the scope of protection of the claims here attached. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A transmissive joint with an elastic response for transmitting a torsional load between an actuating and an actuated device, the joint comprising a body having a tubular structure around a central or longitudinal axis, the body showing a basic outline defined by sections on any planes orthogonal with said axis that are mutually identical aside from a scale factor; a distribution of slots being formed in said body through removal of material, said slots defining the following elements in the same body: first and second annular elements are defined at respective longitudinal ends of said body, and defined as lying over planes orthogonal to a central axis of the transmissive joint, said first and second annular elements being adapted for a mechanical connection with the actuating or the actuated device; a beam-shaped pattern including beam-shaped members extending in an axial direction between said first and second annular elements and providing for a plurality of junctions to respective of said first and second annular elements; one or more connection members joining the beam-shaped members, said one or more connection members develop according to a serpentine shape; wherein said beam-shaped pattern comprises at least one module located between a midpoint of respective consecutive junctions on the same one of the first and second annular elements, said at least one module repeating serially along a circumference of the transmissive joint, the at least one module having an internal symmetry mirrored with respect to plane passing through said central axis and for the midpoint of the module to an opposed one of the first and second annular elements; wherein said body has an elongation along said central axis equal to or greater than a diameter of a circle circumscribing the outline; wherein said at least one module comprises at least two beam-shaped members extending in an essentially axial direction starting from respective first ends that define respective spaced junctions alternatively to said first and second annular elements and having each a second end axially spaced from one of the first and second annular elements opposed to the element to which the first end is integral, the at least one module further comprising one or more connection members joining the second end of each of the two beam-shaped members to the second end of at least one beam-shaped member that is circumferentially consecutive in the at least one module; wherein the second end of each of the beam-shaped member is axially spaced from one of the first and second annular elements opposed to another one of the first and second annular elements to which the first end is integral by a gap distance not greater than ⅕ of said elongation; wherein said connection members develop according to a serpentine shape, comprising at least one axial beam-shaped segment extending parallel with said central axis; wherein said at least one axial beam-shaped segment extends axially for a length equal to said elongation minus twice said gap distance.
 2. The transmissive joint of claim 1, wherein between a junction to one of the first and second annular elements and the consecutive junction to another one of the first and second annular elements said pattern follows a path resembling a curved line, a polyline with at least three straight line segments, or a combination of straight line segments and curved lines.
 3. The transmissive joint of claim 1, wherein said connection members further comprise a plurality of circumferential bridging segments that extend between two axial beam-shaped segments and/or between an axial beam-shaped segment and a beam-shaped member.
 4. The transmissive joint of claim 1, wherein a line tangent to a path at the junction to one of the first and second annular elements is a generatrix of a cylinder having a base outlined by a circle, said at least one module being comprised between two generatrices/tangents at two consecutive junctions to the same one of the first and second annular elements.
 5. The transmissive joint of claim 1, wherein said scale factor is higher than or equal to 1 and lower than or equal to
 3. 6. The transmissive joint of claim 1, wherein said body is cylindrical with a circular basis.
 7. A transmissive joint with an elastic response for transmitting a torsional load between an actuating and an actuated device, the joint comprising a body having a tubular structure around a central or longitudinal axis, the body showing a basic outline defined by sections on any planes orthogonal with said axis that are mutually identical aside from a scale factor; a distribution of slots being formed in said body through removal of material, said slots defining the following elements in the same body: first and second annular elements are defined at respective longitudinal ends of said body, and defined as lying over planes orthogonal to a central axis of the transmissive joint, said first and second annular elements being adapted for a mechanical connection with the actuating or the actuated device; a beam-shaped pattern including beam-shaped members extending in an axial direction between said first and second annular elements and providing for a plurality of junctions to respective of said first and second annular elements; one or more connection members joining the beam-shaped members, said one or more connection members develop according to a serpentine shape; wherein said beam-shaped pattern comprises at least one module located between a midpoint of respective consecutive junctions on the same one of the first and second annular elements, said at least one module repeating serially along a circumference of the transmissive joint, the at least one module having an internal symmetry mirrored with respect to plane passing through said central axis and for the midpoint of the module to an opposed one of the first and second annular elements; wherein said body has an elongation along said central axis equal to or greater than a diameter of a circle circumscribing the outline; wherein said at least one module comprises at least two beam-shaped members extending in an essentially axial direction starting from respective first ends that define respective spaced junctions alternatively to said first and second annular elements and having each a second end axially spaced from one of the first and second annular elements opposed to the element to which the first end is integral, the at least one module further comprising one or more connection members joining the second end of each of the two beam-shaped members to the second end of at least one beam-shaped member that is circumferentially consecutive in the at least one module; wherein said connection members comprise single connection segments each extending between the two beam-shaped members that are consecutive following a circumferential direction and project from different ones of the first and second annular elements.
 8. A transmissive joint with an elastic response for transmitting a torsional load between an actuating and an actuated device, the joint comprising a body having a tubular structure around a central or longitudinal axis, the body showing a basic outline defined by sections on any planes orthogonal with said axis that are mutually identical aside from a scale factor; a distribution of slots being formed in said body through removal of material, said slots defining the following elements in the same body: first and second annular elements are defined at respective longitudinal ends of said body, and defined as lying over planes orthogonal to a central axis of the transmissive joint, said first and second annular elements being adapted for a mechanical connection with the actuating or the actuated device; a beam-shaped pattern including beam-shaped members extending in an axial direction between said first and second annular elements and providing for a plurality of junctions to respective of said first and second annular elements; one or more connection members joining the beam-shaped members, said one or more connection members develop according to a serpentine shape; wherein said body is prismatic. 